San Sebastian stops San Beda to extend the series to a do or die game.

San Sebastian College - Recoletos (SSC-R) extended their semifinal series to a winner take all game after defeating San Beda University (SBU), 61-54, in the Pinoyliga Cup Division A 40 and up at the Gatorade Hoops Center, Saturday afternoon.

Arden Guiyab did everything for Baste as he finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a block, and a steal.

SSC-R controlled the game from the start with their pesky defense. They had 5 steals in the first quarter alone and even forced SBU to a low 2/11 shooting from the field. Baste led 16-5 at the end of the first.

Teams struggled in the second quarter with both teams shooting just 33% from the field. SBU tried to inch closer by taking a lot of three-point attempts but they missed all their 8 shots beyond the arc. SSC-R still led at halftime, 25-15.

SSC-R continued to widen the gap in the third quarter. Guiyab and Mike Gonzales combined for 10 points to lead San Sebastian’s scoring in the period. San Beda continued to struggle in the field as they only converted 2/10 shots. But thanks to their 9 made free throws, they were only down by 16 points entering the fourth quarter, 44-28.

Norman Gonzales came alive and combined forces with Richie Melencio to spark San Beda’s rally in the fourth quarter. Gonzales fired 10 points and Melencio had 5 points and 3 rebounds to bring life to San Beda but Visnu Javier had 9 of his own in the period for San Sebastian to preserve their win and live another day.

Javier finished with 12 points and Christian Coronel added 8 points for San Sebastian. Gonzales led San Beda with 15 points while Melencio registered 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in a losing effort.

San Sebastian 61 - Guiyab 13, Javier 12, Coronel 8, Gonzales 6, Ferrer 6, Sanz 6, J. Anabo 5, Vinuya 4, Chu 1, Penaflorida 0, Mangahas 0, Campo 0, Andaya 0,
San Beda 54 - Gonzales 15, Melencio 14, S. Dela Cruz 10, R. Dela Cruz 4, Agarao 4, Capistrano 4, Racho 2, Oliveros 1, Reroma 0,  Weber 0, Manalo 0, Cristobal 0, Nabung 0.